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TEN vs. ESEA: Which Shipping Company is a Stronger Play Now?
ZACKSยท 2025-09-26 15:16
Core Insights - Euroseas Limited (ESEA) and Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (TEN) are prominent companies in the Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry, both based in Greece [1][2] Group 1: Euroseas Limited (ESEA) - ESEA focuses on ocean transportation of containers and has secured long-term charter contracts at higher rates, boosting revenues and profitability [3][4] - The company maintains a time charter equivalent rate exceeding $25,000 per day, with an average of $26,479 for 2024 [3] - ESEA has expanded its fleet and secured contracts that ensure stable revenue streams, including a three-year charter extension for M/V Rena P and a one-year extension for M/V Jonathan P, expected to contribute $5.65 million in EBITDA [4] - ESEA completed a spin-off of three subsidiaries, enhancing its financial strength and maintaining a high dividend yield, appealing to income-seeking investors [5] - The company has repurchased 463,000 shares for approximately $10.5 million as part of a $20 million buyback plan initiated in May 2022 [6] - ESEA shares have surged over 72% year-to-date, outperforming TEN's 32% increase [9][11] Group 2: Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (TEN) - TEN operates a fleet of 82 vessels with a fleet utilization rate of 96.9% in the first half of 2025, supported by more vessels under term contracts [7] - The company's balance sheet is strong, with a fleet market value of $3.8 billion against $1.8 billion in debt [7] - However, TEN faces challenges from declining spot rates, which fell by 27% in the first half of 2025, impacting revenue [8] - Gross revenues for TEN decreased to $390.4 million in the first half of 2025 from $415.6 million in the same period in 2024 [8] - TEN shares have gained 32.2% year-to-date, but this is significantly lower than ESEA's performance [11] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - ESEA's earnings estimates for 2025 imply a year-over-year improvement of 9% in sales and 12% in EPS, with positive revisions over the past 60 days [14][17] - TEN's earnings estimates suggest a 3.2% increase in sales and an 8% increase in EPS, with stable estimates over the same period [14] - ESEA currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while TEN has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a preference for ESEA as a more favorable investment opportunity [18]